Top Tips For Summer Driving

Our suggestions for safe summer motoring in the UK

From crowded roads to dazzling sunshine, summer driving in the UK brings its own set of challenges, some of which need specific attention, but many which can also be addressed by common-sense, regular maintenance. Here we break down our tips for meeting these challenges into a few separate areas which we hope will assist you in ensuring your summer driving is safe, smooth and enjoyable.

Vehicle Maintenance and Checks

Tyres

Check your tyre pressures and tread depth. In hotter weather, tyre pressures are increased and in combination with existing wear, tyres can be susceptible to a blowout. Make sure tyres are adjusted to the correct pressure for your vehicle's load - carrying more passengers plus luggage will require adjustment. Consult your handbook or the labelling inside the drivers door for the specific pressure settings.

Coolant

Again higher temperatures can put more strain on the engine and therefore the risk of overheating is increasd. Check the coolant levels are correct and top up the coolant as required.

Wipers and Washers

As motorists in the UK we are perhaps more used to the problems of rain, frost and road salt leading to dirty or obscured windscreens and reduced visibility. In summer, a build up of insects and dust will be more of an issue, especially when combined with glare from sunshine. In either case, making sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order and that your washer fluid is topped up are simple and practical measures that can be easily taken to reduce this hazard.

Battery

Battery life can be shorteded by extreme heat. It's therefore a good idea to have your battery, if older than 3 years, checked before setting off on long journeys such as summer holidays. At Dowleys we can offer a battery check to book online.

On the Road

Prepare for glare

Though it is perhaps not as frequent as we might like, strong sunshine may be welcome when it appears but it can also be a hazard. It's a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses in the car for these moments. Also, as mentioned above make sure your windscreen washers and wipers are in good order and that your windscreen is clean inside and out.

Take regular breaks

The AA recommend taking regular breaks to avoid driving tired: 20 minute breaks in journeys of more than 3 hours and a break every couple of hours on longer journeys. More frequent shorter stops are suggested instead of a single longer break.

Safe driving

Preparation

Prep